I recently remembered this little 2013 excursion, when friend and musician Joe Deleault invited me to join him in the studio for a record he was producing. He, musician Andrew Sterling (who's in the final photo), and I trekked to Mill Pond Music Studio in Portsmouth, NH, to spend the day with owner Jim Prendergast. Prior to establishing this recording studio, Jim was a full-time session guitarist (and more) in Nashville. He still travels there regularly, when not in the studio (as a musician, producer, or engineer) or performing with bands locally.

Natural, indirect light illuminates his studio, thanks to large windows along one wall (extending through multiple rooms)—a photographer's dream. I exposed three or four rolls of film, allowing myself to enjoy observing Jim's process of music-making, not the least of which involves an analog tape deck for audio capture. Brilliant.

And yes, it was just as relaxing and comfortable being there as it looks in the photos.

We were already planning to attend The Ballroom Thieves' concert at Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH, having known the band for almost five years now and seeing them perform at least annually, as well as photographing them. So when I let them know that we were looking forward to attending, they invited me backstage after the soundcheck to hang out and photograph. (I had my small camera kit with me, fortunately.)

The situation became even more exciting when they mentioned that Gentle Temper, the opening band (one of whose members is a sibling to a Thief), needed a photographer for their show. Their manager (whom I also know) and I quickly made logistical arrangements, and we were set.

The evening couldn't have been better, with perfect weather, great seats, wonderful music, and even some artmaking.